Why is this important?

Combining these materials could usher in a new era of health sensors and neuroprocessors by enabling hybrid electronic circuits to respond to electrical and biological signals simultaneously.

Creating neural interfaces that bridge the gap between living organisms and inanimate electronic devices has long been a goal of scientists.

The consequences of this success are far-reaching. In the future, scientists will be able to create:

• neural networks,
• brain-like processors,
• Sensors to monitor biological processes in the human body.

Although these transformational changes may not occur immediately, they represent an inevitable change in the world as we know it.

How can they be applied?

The ultimate fate of these hybrid transistors remains unclear at this stage, but they show promising properties that are worth investigating. In particular, these silk-based hybrid transistors can be integrated into modern chip manufacturing processes, offering a practical possibility for future applications.

How does it work

The basis of this innovative technology is an insulating material based on fibroin, a protein found in silk threads and spider webs. This protein has demonstrated the ability to regulate ion conductance in response to electronic pulses and biomarkers.

In one practical demonstration of this technology, researchers created a moisture-sensitive breath sensor. The field of human health is fertile ground for many promising initiatives, and the “silk transistor” has the potential to become a major player in this field.

While the full impact of silk-based hybrid transistors on technology and health remains to be seen, the first steps taken by scientists at Tufts University highlight the potential for a transformative and symbiotic relationship between silicon and biotechnology. This development could pave the way for a future in which electronic and biological systems interact seamlessly for the benefit of humanity.